Via International

One of the most powerful outcomes of a ViaGO experience is seeing students return home with a deeper understanding of the border and a desire to share those stories with others. By listening, asking questions, and engaging directly with communities, students gain perspectives that challenge assumptions and inspire action.

Learning doesn't end when the trip is over—it continues through the conversations students bring back to their campuses, communities, and future work.

One of the most beautiful parts of Somos La Voz is watching connections form. 💛
Over ten weeks of music, culture, and creativity, students build more than musical skills—they build friendships, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Through shared experiences, laughter, and learning together, a community begins to take shape.
This is the power of music, culture, and camaraderie. 🎶✨

Thanks to the City of San Diego Capacity Building funding, Pan y Paz strengthened operations, expanded training, welcomed new talent, grew community connections, and took important steps toward becoming a more sustainable business.

We're grateful for the support and excited for what's ahead. ❤️

"Her music is more than performance, it’s connection, joy, and cultural pride. As she shares, seeing people sing along and light up is 'a beautiful experience… I’m blessed because I love to make people happy.'"
Read more in the article spotlighting Valencia from our Somos La Voz program. Link in comment.

Somos La Voz is preparing for our Veracruz Pilgrimage, a cultural journey rooted in music, heritage, and connection MX. We’re grateful to have supporting this experience, and we’re still working to raise the money to fully fund the trip. Help support this amazing opportunity for our Somos La Voz students! Link in comments.

Our hearts are broken following the violent acts of hatred that occurred yesterday at The Islamic Center of San Diego. When any member of our community is harmed, we are all harmed. When any of our communities are ravaged, we are all ravaged. When one family is torn apart, we are all torn apart.

We at Via International— an organization rooted in community, connection, and culture— stand in solidarity, grieving alongside our fellow community members who were terrorized yesterday in a sacred gathering place.

We are sharing the link for the official ICSD victims’ fund below, as well as information about an Interfaith Community Vigil in our stories, for those who feel called to support.

https://goodbricks.org/campaign/icsd.org/official-icsd-victim—family-support-fund

We are proud to share that Jorge received the Local Peacemaker Award from the National Conflict Resolution Center!
Through Son Jarocho music, Jorge has spent years building peace, unity, and connection across communities. His work reminds us: music can be a path to healing and understanding.
Congratulations, Jorge!

We are so proud to celebrate two incredible Somos La Voz graduates:
🎓 Jahsiah Castillo — heading to UCLA to study Music Industry
🎓 Sophie Espinoza — heading to Cal Poly Humboldt to study Environmental Science & Management
From music to academia, their journeys reflect the power of community, culture, and education
Your future is bright — and just getting started

After more than 13 years with Via International, we are sad but proud to bid hasta luego to our friend and long-time Via team member, Gabriel Reed, as he takes on a new position as Interim Director of School at the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts (IDSVA). In his work with Via, Gabriel has built out a network of strategic partnerships with universities, churches, corporations, beehives (as pictured in our favorite photo of Gabriel) and community organizations through the ViaGO Travel program. We will miss Gabriel dearly, and will be forever grateful for his contributions to our organization, culture, and ecosystem. Felicidades, Gabriel!

The border is more than a headline.
Through ViaGO, step into stories, communities, and relationships that challenge assumptions and deepen understanding. Experience the border beyond what you see in the news.

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